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| It’s not WHAT you do, but HOW you do it. |
- Co-ops are jointly owned, democratically controlled enterprises that operates for the benefit of its members.
- At their roots, co-ops are about self-help not charity, empowerment not aid.
- Co-ops are an option for the disadvantaged to meet their economic needs.
- Co-ops are competitive market leaders in many countries and sectors.
- Co-ops create over 100 million jobs globally, more than multinationals.
- A co-op is an enterprise with soul.
Examples of co-ops
- Group of hotels (Best Western)
- Retail (Mountain Equipment co-op, Adrenalin Motorcycle Co-op, Penninsula Co-op, Gallery of Artisans)
- Marketing (Island Vegetable Growers)
- Processing (Aromatic Farm Co-op, Beachcombers)
- Housing (36 in the CRD)
- Social services: schools, birthing centres, sheltered workshops
- Nomadic herders’ training, processing, marketing
- R&R (Sailing, Recreational flying)
Guiding Principles:
The Victoria Community Health Co-operative follows the Seven International Co-operative Principles Co-operatives around the world generally operate according to the same core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance in 1995. The International Co-operative Alliance is a global membership association of co-ops and co-op support organizations. Co-operatives trace the roots of these principles to the first modern co-operative founded in Rochdale, England in 1844.
Voluntary and Open Membership
Co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all people able to use its services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members—those who buy the goods or use the services of the co-operative—who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions.
Members' Economic Participation
Members contribute equally to, and democratically control, the capital of the co-operative. This benefits members in proportion to the business they conduct with the co-operative rather than on the capital invested.
Autonomy and Independence
Co-operatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If the co-op enters into agreements with other organizations or raises capital from external sources, it is done so based on terms that ensure democratic control by the members and maintains the co-operative’s autonomy.
Education, Training and Information
Co-operatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operative. Members also inform the general public about the nature and benefits of co-operatives.
Cooperation among Co-operatives
Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
Concern for Community
While focusing on member needs, co-operatives work for the sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.
